Royal Highland Festival

Arrive at Paro International Airport, known for its breathtaking mountain approach, where your guide will welcome you. Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, passing through beautiful valleys, traditional villages, and terraced fields. After lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of Bhutan’s third king, followed by a relaxed walk through Kaja Throm to experience local life and culture. Overnight stay at your hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Thimphu and its rich cultural attractions. Begin at Buddha Dordenma, offering sweeping views of the valley, then visit Simply Bhutan to experience local traditions. Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve, home of Bhutan’s national animal, followed by stops at the Bhutan Postal Museum and Folk Heritage Museum. Visit the National Textile Museum and the Zorig Chusum Institute to learn about Bhutanese arts and crafts. End the day exploring local markets before returning to your hotel in Thimphu for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive from Thimphu to Punakha, a scenic journey of about 2.5–3 hours. En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) to enjoy panoramic Himalayan views and explore the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Continue descending into the lush Punakha Valley, where you will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, set at the meeting point of two rivers. After lunch, take a short drive and a pleasant walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang. Later, return to your hotel and relax in the peaceful surroundings of Punakha. Overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, travel from Punakha toward Gasa, a scenic 3–4 hour drive through winding mountain roads along the Mo Chhu River. Enjoy views of forests, terraced fields, and remote villages as you enter one of Bhutan’s most untouched regions. On arrival, visit the hilltop Gasa Dzong, offering sweeping views of the valley and a glimpse into its historic role. You may also relax at the nearby Gasa Hot Springs, known for their soothing mineral waters. Later, return to your hotel in Gasa and prepare for your journey to the highlands.

After breakfast, set out from Gasa toward the remote village of Laya. Drive about 2 hours to Taktse Makha, the road head, enjoying scenic views of rivers, forests, and mountain landscapes. From here, begin a 1–2 hour hike through pine forests and grazing pastures, gradually ascending into Bhutan’s alpine region. At around 3,800 meters, Laya welcomes you with its traditional stone houses and stunning mountain backdrop. Meet the Layap people in their distinctive attire and settle into your homestay. Spend the rest of the day exploring the village, interacting with locals, and adjusting to the high altitude. Overnight at a homestay in Laya.

After breakfast, walk to the festival grounds to experience the first day of the Royal Highland Festival in Laya. Set against a stunning Himalayan backdrop, the event showcases the traditions of Bhutan’s highland communities. Enjoy lively Layap performances, including Auley songs and traditional dances, along with highlights such as yak competitions, horse races, archery, and local games. Explore stalls featuring yak products, handmade textiles, and medicinal herbs, while interacting with locals in their distinctive attire. As evening falls, enjoy a festive atmosphere with music and cultural gatherings under the mountain sky. Overnight stay at a homestay in Laya.

Enjoy the second day of the Royal Highland Festival in Laya, featuring a richer program of cultural events. Witness sacred mask dances, community performances, and traditional strength competitions, along with Auley ballads that share the stories and heritage of Bhutan’s highland communities. Visit livestock and agricultural displays to learn about yak herding and local life, and interact with herders and artisans. After lunch, begin your return journey to Punakha. Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Paro, traveling via the scenic Dochula Pass. If weather permits, enjoy sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas along with the iconic 108 chortens. The drive continues through beautiful forested landscapes before descending into the picturesque Paro Valley. Upon arrival, start your sightseeing with a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan, offering fascinating insights into Bhutan’s history, art, and culture. Continue to the impressive Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture and an important religious center. Later, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, known for its peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, return to your hotel in Paro and relax, preparing for the Tiger’s Nest hike the next day.

After an early breakfast, set out on a memorable hike to Taktsang Monastery, dramatically perched high above the Paro Valley at around 3,120–3,200 meters. The round-trip hike takes about 4–5 hours, passing through peaceful pine forests, prayer flags, and scenic viewpoints with stunning valley views. At the monastery, explore its sacred temples, meditation caves, and intricate artwork that reflect Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage. After the visit, descend back to Paro and enjoy a farewell dinner, celebrating your journey through Bhutan. Overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Depart Bhutan carrying wonderful memories of its rich culture, stunning Himalayan landscapes, and the vibrant Royal Highland Festival. Tashi Delek!